How to make a bandana cap

1. Materials & tools

Materials (one cap, standard size)

• Fabric (Oxford cloth, linen or double gauze) — about 55 × 45 cm
• Flat elastic, 1 cm — about 14 cm
• Sewing thread

Tools

• Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
• Fabric marker or pencil
• Ruler and scissors
• Iron
• Pins or clips

2. Make the pattern (auto-generated in Katagami)

With the Katagami pattern tool, you just enter the finished size and it drafts a seam-allowance-included pattern, tiled to print at actual size on Letter or A4.

1. Open the tool
   Open the pattern tool and choose “Accessories” → “Bandana cap” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
   Enter the head circumference, the depth and the tie length. Presets cover child, standard and large.
3. Set the seam allowance
   Use the slider at the bottom (beginners: 1.0–1.5 cm / about 3/8–5/8 in).
4. Print
   Press “Print (actual size)”, then in the print dialog set Scale = 100% and turn “Fit to page” OFF. Check the 50 mm calibration box on the first guide sheet with a ruler.

3. Cutting the fabric

1. Trace the pattern
   Lay the pattern on the wrong side and trace both lines.
2. Cut the pieces
   Two body pieces and two ties.
3. Transfer the notches
   Mark where the curve ends. Below that point you do not sew.

4. Sewing

4-1. Sew the body

1. Place the two pieces right sides together and sew the curved edge that passes over the head.
2. Stop at the notch — below it stays open, which is the back opening.
3. Clip the curve, press the allowance open.

4-2. Hem the face edge

1. Turn the straight front edge under by 1 cm, then 1.5 cm, and stitch.
2. This edge shows, so keep the fold even.

4-3. Add the elastic

1. Turn the lower back edge under twice, threading elastic through as you go.
2. About 14 cm. Try it on and adjust so it does not slip.
3. Backstitch over both ends of the elastic.

4-4. Attach the ties

1. Fold each tie in four and topstitch.
2. Stitch one to each end of the back edge.
3. Put it on and knot the ties at the back.

✏️ The elastic across the back means the ties do not have to be pulled tight. Elastic alone squeezes the head; ties alone work loose during the day. A little of each is what makes it wearable for hours.

5. Tips & variations

• For cooking: it covers the hair properly, which keeps it out of the food.
• Match an apron: made in the same fabric as the apron or cafe apron, it becomes a set.
• For medical use: it also serves for covering hair during treatment. Choose something soft against the skin.